13 Fun Things To Do in Greater Vancouver This Summer

hether you’re into theatre, music or food, there’s plenty to do around the Lower Mainland this summer. So log out of Facebook, call up some friends and experience one of the great events our city has to offer!

1. Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 16 to 18 @ Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver
Listen to music from all around the world, including artists such as Hannah Georgas (pictured), The Avett Brothers, Crooked Still and many more during the 33rd annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
Weekend pass for youth: $70 at the gate

2. Surrey Fusion Festival
July 17 and 18 @ Holland Park, Surrey
Get ready for the 2010 Surrey Fusion Festival, a two-day multicultural celebration that will give you insight into the culture, music and food of more than 25 ethnicities! There will be pavilions showcasing music, food and culture as well as performances on four stages.
FREE

3. Celebration of Light
July 21, 24, 28 and 31 @ English Bay, Vancouver
Watch from Kitsilano Beach, Vanier Park or English Bay to witness and experience the Vancouver fireworks competition. Now in its 20th year, the competition pits four countries' fireworks displays against each other.
FREE

4. The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Glengarry Glen Ross
July 22 to August 22 @ The Stanley Theatre, Vancouver
Glengarry Glen Ross (starring Eric McCormack of TV’s Will and Grace) tells the story of four real estate salesmen trying to be top dog in their jobs. (Some mature language and content.)
Tickets from $25

5. Michael Franti and Spearhead
July 24th @ The Vogue Theatre,
Vancouver
If you like hip hop, funk, reggae, jazz, folk or dancehall, you’re in luck – Michael Franti and Spearhead covers all those genres and more! Sing-along hits like Say Hey are sure to get you up out of your seat and dancing in no time!
$39.50

6. Caribbean Days Festival
July 24th and 25th @ Waterfront Park,
North Vancouver
Do you salivate at the mention of roti and jerk chicken? Then be sure not to miss this year’s Caribbean Days festival! This is one of the largest cultural events of its type in BC, featuring parading, dining and dancing.
FREE

7. Wolf Parade
July 25th @ The Vogue Theatre,
Vancouver
Polaris prize nominees Wolf Parade make their way to Vancouver to perform their indie post-punk revival music. Expect to hear songs from their third and most recent release, titled Expo 86.
$29.50

8. The Taming of The Shrew
presented by Carousel Theatre
July 30th to Aug. 14th @ Performance Works Outdoor Stage, Granville Island, Vancouver
The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted numerous times, including (loosely) in the teen flick 10 Things I Hate About You. Check out the Teen Shakespeare Program tackle this classic battle of the sexes. FREE

9. Joanna Newsom
August 5th @ The Vogue, Vancouver
Harp-playing critical darling Joanna Newsom comes to the Vogue to offer up some of her experimental folk music. With her Bjork-esque vocals and rumours of a romance with Saturday Night Live star Andy Samberg, Newsom is one to watch!
$29.50

10. Lady Gaga
August 23rd and 24th @ Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place), Vancouver
Lady Gaga makes her way to Rogers Arena for two nights this August. With numerous hit singles, over-the-top fashion and what is sure to be spectacular production, Lady Gaga will no doubt keep you entertained.
$64.25-$189.75

11. Michael Bublé
August 20th and 21st @ Rogers Arena, Vancouver
There will be crooning and swooning when hometown hero Michael Bublé performs two nights @ Rogers Arena. Opening the show is a cappella R&B group Naturally 7, who has performed with Buble in the past.
$65.00-$135.40

12. Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular
August 26th and 29th @ Rogers Arena, Vancouver
Adapted from the BBC TV series, this Jurassic spectacle stomps its way into Vancouver for four nights featuring life-size mechanical dinosaurs, including the infamous T-Rex.
$39.50-$73.00

13. The Pacific National Exhibition
August 21st to September 6th @ Hastings Park, Vancouver
It wouldn’t be summer in Vancouver without a trip to the PNE. Games, amusement park rides, junk food – who wants to miss out on that? Plus, this year marks the 100th year of the fair, so there will be lots of celebratory events!
$20 Admission